Type of contract : Permanent Contract
Location : Cong, Mayo, Ireland
Activity : Other
Experience required : 2 to 5 years
Published on 08/04/2026
We are recruiting for a full time Head Sommelier to provide quality service to our guests, in line with the Forbes Five Star standards and The Red Carnation Hotels standards.
Key responsibilities of the Head Sommelier will include:
- Consistently meet and exceed guest expectations in the service of wines and beverages.
- Prepare the George V Dining Room for lunch and dinner wine service to the highest standard.
- Maintain accurate inventory of all wines and spirits.
- Deliver knowledgeable, precise, and attentive wine service to every guest.
- Ensure guest satisfaction by offering confident recommendations and responding promptly and professionally to requests and concerns.
- Provide exceptional guest care and personalised service at all times, anticipating needs and taking proactive steps to exceed expectations wherever possible.
What's in it for you?
- Professional, award winning training and development opportunities.
- Discounted accommodation rates with Red Carnation Hotel Collection.
- Employee Recognition Events.
- Discounted rates with many local businesses and third party service providers (including Estate Activities).
- Heavily subsidised accommodation (subject to availability).
- Free meals on duty.
- Complimentary dry cleaning of business attire.
- Recommend friend and family bonus scheme.
- Two paid volunteering days each year.
- Holiday allowance increasing with length of service up to 25 days.
- Hotel based recognition incentives.
- Free access to Employee Assistance Programme.
The ideal candidate for the Sommelier position will:
- Have a minimum 2 year previous experience in a hospitality setting/fine dining setting.
- Demonstrate a strong interest in wine; a relevant qualification WSET L3 is essential.
- Possess a warm, outgoing, and approachable personality.
- Be enthusiastic, adaptable, and flexible with working hours, available to work 5 days across a 7 day period (weekends & Bank Holidays included).
- Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Show strong attention to detail and commitment to high standards.
- Be legally eligible to work in Ireland.
- Thrive in a fast-paced environment and manage workload efficiently.
- Strong Partnership relations.
- Have strong Stock Management Knowledge.
With origins dating back to the 13th century, magnificent Ashford Castle has witnessed a rich and storied history, evolving from a medieval fortress to a grand retreat. Throughout the years, the castle has hosted royalty, nobility, and prominent figures, earning a reputation as one of Ireland's most iconic and celebrated landmarks.
The royal adventure begins as you enter through the grand stone gates of our Forbes Five-Star hotel. Now a proud part of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection, the magnificent Ashford Castle has stood sentinel on the shores of Lough Corrib for over 800 years. With an estate of such spectacular proportions, every moment spent within its grounds creates indelible memories. Once home to the Guinness family and today a multi-generational resort, Ashford Castle is lovingly managed by a dedicated team that passionately cares about every single guest.
